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Your Observer

The center turn lane would benefit drivers entering Country Club Shores.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 5, 2025
Country Club Shores voice concerns over planned turn lanes

Residents of Longboat Key neighborhoods Country Club Shores have mixed feelings about the addition of raised, curbed medians to some of the lanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
It's an unconvincing case
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 5, 2025
It's an unconvincing case

Each side of The Ringling-New College question can make a case. But it’s difficult to be convinced that New College is ready.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
A speed detecting camera sits in front of Tara Elementary School.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 4, 2025
Speed cameras turned off in Manatee County school zones

Commissioners voted 5-2 to terminate the program that issued over 55,000 citations since August.

  • East County
  • News
Iconographer Christine Hales hangs her art pieces at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 4, 2025
All Angels featuring 26 pieces of iconography artwork through April

A local artist who has been creating these intricate portraits and scenes from Christianity for the past several decades is showing her works on Longboat Key and St. Petersburg.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Due to construction on State Road 70, Greenbrook Boulevard is anticipated to close in both directions sometime in May from State Road 70 to Skip Jack Loop.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 4, 2025
State Road 70 construction cruises along in East County

The $98.4 million project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.

  • East County
  • News
Mikhail Tolstov, 13, sold items he printed using his 3D printer. His models come from a site called MakerWorld, where they are authorized for sale, and he uses them to model his own, or sell them as they are.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 4, 2025
Children’s Business Fair teaches kids entrepreneurial skills

The fair, hosted through a partnership between Nailed It DIY Studio and Girls, Inc., offered kids a chance to built their entrepreneurial skills.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 4, 2025
Longboat Key almost fully switched to underground utility system

About six switching orders remain and Florida Power & Light anticipates having poles removed by June.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Francesca Bisordi is the first girls wrestler from Lakewood Ranch to advance to the state championships.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 4, 2025
Mustangs sophomore shows sanctioning girls wrestling was overdue

Francesca Bisordi will be the first Lakewood Ranch High girl to wrestle at the state championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County is considering the purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms, which went on the market in February 2023 for $15.8 million.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 4, 2025
Manatee County reconsiders buying Mixon Fruit Farms

The property could become a county complex that includes a library, park and community center.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County's red tide response included daily beach raking to clean up dead fish that washed up on the beaches.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 4, 2025
Manatee County responds to red tide effects on northern beaches

The county spent the end of February raking beaches daily to clean up fish kills for beachgoers, and county officials say the area is in the clear for now.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 4, 2025
Police evict unwanted raccoon from fourth floor of condo

The officer had to handle the situation without backup from animal services. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Barbara Najmy and Nancy Lepain sit on the board for The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 4, 2025
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle celebrates women, philanthropy and community

The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle brought sponsors and recipients together to look back on 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home at 15515 Derna Terrace has three bedrooms and is 3,022 square feet.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 4, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 17-21 in Lakewood Ranch

An Azario Esplanade home on Derna Terrace tops the week's sales at $1.45 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch High senior Jonathan Leatt currently ranks ninth in the 800-meter run in 4A Region 3 after posting a 2:01.09 on Feb. 28.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 4, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Jonathan Leatt

Leatt helped the Mustangs win the Lakewood Ranch Invitational with three top-three finishes.

  • East County
  • Sports
This drawing by Quay 1 and 9 depicts the 1000 Boulevard of the Arts project (in red) enveloping its city-approved One Park West project.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 3, 2025
Opposition to Hyatt Regency redevelopment plan organizing

Developers of Quay Blocks 1 and 9 are being joined by nearby condo residents in appealing a Planning Board adjustment to the City Commission to build 1000 Boulevard of the Arts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Local college presidents, from left, Michele Morgan of Keiser University, Brett Kemker, of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Dr. Larry Thompson of Ringling College of Art & Design, Tommy Gregory of State College of Florida, and moderator Mark Gordon spoke Feb. 25 at a lunch hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • March 3, 2025
Local college administrators tackle issues with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

Administrators say partnerships with local businesses strengthen the economy.

  • East County
  • Business
Chad Day loved fishing. His memory is now honored through the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • March 3, 2025
Chad Day Memorial fishing tournament raises funds for Tidewell Hospice

The event has nearly raised $100,000 over its seven years to benefit terminally ill patients.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paul Grothouse of Cirque St. Armands, a new luxury resort opening this month, dishes up sweets at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 3, 2025
Attendees pack the house at Taste and Tunes of the Keys

Organizers thank attendees for showing up for event to further the rebuilding and beautification of Longboat Key since the hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Anyone who may have fallen for a scam could contact the Longboat Key Police Department through the non-emergency line at 941-316-1201.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 3, 2025
Longboat PD warns of common scams for gift cards, electronic payments

The department said it’s important to verify a request if it seems suspicious or marked as ‘urgent.’

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Opera names new marketing director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 3, 2025
Sarasota Opera names new marketing director

Lael Mohib succeeds Stephen Baker, who held the job from 2021-23.

  • Arts + Culture
Latraia Savage, singer with Big Z Band, helps kick off the latest Savor the Sounds concert series.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 3, 2025
Longboat lets loose at concert series kickoff

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is holding the second show on March 15, featuring the Dr. Dave Band.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Florida Wildlife Commission staff lift the manatee into the back of the unique vessel.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 3, 2025
FWC rescues cold-stressed manatee from Longboat Key canal

The manatee was in critical condition and transported to a rehabilitation facility in Myakka City.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lauren Blomster and Montana Taplinger
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 2, 2025
Community serves up support for Southside Elementary School at Cooking for the Arts

Held by Southside School Foundation for the Arts, the event raised over $100,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sean Patton of Stocking Savvy holds a Florida gar specimen.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 2, 2025
Bay Fest invites the community to the coast to learn about conservation efforts

Held at The Bay, the event showcased local environmental organizations working to improve the health of the Sarasota Bay area.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
“Sheriff of Rummage” Ginny Akhoury greets shopper Jeanne Baird at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church annual rummage sale on Friday.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 2, 2025
Early shoppers pack St. Mary for annual rummage sale deals

The highly anticipated sale drew massive crowds on par with recent record-breakers at Friday morning's early bird kickoff.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Bob and Carol Carter dressed the part for Tropical Nights. Carol is the event chair.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 2, 2025
When it comes to Lakewood Ranch fundraisers, that's amore

Tropical Nights Under Paris Light sizzles at the Grove.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gail J. Weiser captured this photo of a beautiful sunset from Isles Beach on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 2, 2025
Longboat Key named best island to visit in the South

Travel + Leisure labeled Longboat Key "one of the region's best-kept secrets," citing its plethora of activities available to visitors "even in the depths of winter."

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Bay Phase 1 opened in October 2022.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 2, 2025
The Bay in Sarasota receives $1 million 'capping' gift

The grant completes Patterson Foundation's giving to Bay Park Conservancy at $10 million in gifts and challenge matches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Author and physical therapy expert Karen Gabler leads one of her classes.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 1, 2025
Author and bodyworker to lead physical therapy workshops

Karen Gabler, a physical therapy expert, author and licensed massage therapist, leads two workshops in March at The Paradise Center on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Ringling's curator of performance Elizabeth Doud hands the microphone to Kelly Kirschner, a board member and co-founder of UnidosNow.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2025
Barancik Foundation gives $8 million in grants

The latest round of Barancik Foundation grants includes nearly $1 million to Selby Gardens to relocate and care for rare plants during Phase 2 Master Plan construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Mustang, the Ram, Shelley, Mote's Dr. Jake Lasala, Gilly, Morris the Explorasaurus, Petunia, Super Tooth and Floody the Frog prepare to race.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 28, 2025
Local mascots come together in race to promote Run for the Turtles

The short race, held on Siesta Key Beach, brought together mascots, from a cat to a dinosaur, in support of Mote Marin Laboratory & Aquarium's event.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 28, 2025
State loan program is best option for town sewer project

Voting "yes" on the town referendum in the March 11 election will save the town millions of dollars.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
There's more to the osprey on Longboat
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • February 28, 2025
There's more to the osprey on Longboat

Comments on Longboat's resident osprey, freedom of speech and red tide cleanup in letters to the editor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Emma Burke Jolly
  • February 28, 2025
Sand Bucket List: Must-Try Adventures for a Sun-Soaked Summer

Here are the absolute must-do activities, must-visit spots and must-see sights to make this summer in Sarasota and Manatee counties unforgettable!

  • Sarasota
Sponsored Content
Amaryllis Park Place III buildings, as shown in this Hoyt Architects rendering, will be three stories tall with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, all priced at 80% or below area median income.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 28, 2025
Housing Authority secures funding from Lee County agency

The Sarasota County Commission has OK'd loans from Housing Finance Authority of Lee County to fund construction of two low-income housing projects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Leo Eineker, left and Susan Groover practice CPR on mannequins during a short class Feb. 25 at the Tara Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 28, 2025
Tara residents armed with life-saving knowledge

Residents got hands-on training in CPR and in using an automated external defibrillator.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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